Journey to the South of Ghana

By Harriet Tamakloe

My name is Harriet Tamakloe, and I’m originally from the Volta region in Ghana. I’m currently studying in Tennessee as an international student majoring in Biology at Maryville College. I came to the U.S in January of this year as a transfer student.

My recent trip to the Central and Western regions of Ghana, as well as our adventure to Ada in Greater Accra, was truly an unforgettable experience—one that I’ll treasure for a long time. I had the joy of sharing it all with my cousins from Holland who had come to Ghana, along with my siblings and parents, which made everything even more special. From the very start, there was a sense of excitement in the air as we packed up and hit the road, ready to explore new places, make memories, and reconnect with family. 

Our journey through the Central and Western regions was a vibrant mixture of adventure and relaxation. The road drives were long but never dull. We sang along to our favorite songs, swapped stories, and simply enjoyed the beautiful Ghanaian landscape passing by. Each stop felt like a new chapter, filled with laughter, curiosity, and lots and lots of food! We indulged in local specialties like fresh seafood, spicy stews, and sweet treats. We never missed a chance to try something new or revisit an old favorite. Sharing these meals with my cousins, who were eager to experience Ghanaian cuisine, made it even more enjoyable. Watching their reactions to jollof rice, kelewele, and grilled tilapia was priceless!

One of the highlights was our time in Ada, in the Greater Accra region. The atmosphere there was lively and full of possibilities. We spent our days diving into a variety of activities like jet skiing on the river.  This was both exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking at first, but quickly became addictive. We played lawn tennis together, getting competitive in the friendliest way possible, and even tried archery, which turned out to be more challenging than it looked, but so much fun. My cousins were especially enthusiastic about the fish feeding activity. We all gathered by the water, tossing food in and watching the fish swarm together while laughing at each other’s reactions and playful attempts to get the fish to come closer.

 

Exploring the regions was not just about activities, it was about bonding, sharing, and creating moments I know we’ll all look back on fondly. The road trips, though sometimes tiring, gave us time to appreciate the country’s natural beauty and just enjoy each other’s company without any distractions. By the end of our trip, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my family and for the opportunity to experience Ghana through fresh eyes alongside the people I love. It was a beautiful blend of adventure, culture, and connection—something I’ll always hold close to my heart.